Engaging with several short novels, stories and essays from South Asia, this reading group will investigate the historical impact of decolonization and nationalism on India and Pakistan. By placing the societal upheaval and violence in the aftermath of partition in the context of globalization, we examine the links between local and international structures of domination. Thus, we complicate the spatio-temporal conceptualization of globalization in order to arrive at a more nuanced understanding of the process of combined and uneven development.

The goal in this respect is to explore the persistent implications of modernization and globalization for South Asia in order to create links with other, similar struggles for self- determination, land and human rights across the globe. We aim for a multi-disciplinary approach – addressing issues such as land rights, space, resistance movements, policy making and modernization – which brings anthropology, history, law, economics, political science, international development and cultural studies into conversation, and raises questions regarding the cultural and economic impact of globalization on nation-building and development.

We further aim to offer a space for discussion and the exchange of ideas between undergraduate, graduate students and faculty while engaging political and historical questions from a cultural point of view.

Syllabus

The syllabus includes the following novels, stories and essays. We aim for easy readability and try not to add substantially to student work load. Except for Adiga’s The White Tiger, which is 300 pages in length, all novels are between 180 and 230 pages. Longer readings are split between 2-3 weeks.

Sept. 26

Raja Rao, Kanthapura

Oct. 3

Khushwant Singh, Train to Pakistan

Oct. 24

Abdullah Hussein, The Weary Generations

Nov. 7

Mahasveta Devi, “Douloti the Bountiful” (Imaginary Maps)

Nov. 14

Arundhati Roy, “Walking with the Comrades”

Nov. 28

Aravind Adiga, The White Tiger

ALL texts will be provided as scans via Facebook Group!

List of Supplementary News Articles and Essays (recommended, but optional, see outline)